Work

Photobiomodulation at Acupuncture Points in Oral and Dental Care: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Laser acupuncture, defined as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy applied to specific acupuncture points, has been proposed as a non-invasive adjunctive strategy in oral and dental care. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise systematic reviews evaluating laser acupuncture in dental and orofacial conditions. The review followed PRISMA 2020 recommendations and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 12 May 2026. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis were included. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2, and findings were narratively synthesized considering methodological quality, overlap, consistency, dosimetric heterogeneity, and clinical applicability. From 263 records identified, six systematic reviews published between 2021 and 2024 met the eligibility criteria. The included reviews addressed three main domains: temporomandibular disorders, dental-related neuropathies, and pediatric dental outcomes. Laser acupuncture protocols used red to near-infrared wavelengths, mainly between 690 and 980 nm, but varied substantially in fluence, energy delivery, irradiation time, session frequency, and acupoint selection. The most consistent signal was observed for short-term pain reduction in temporomandibular disorders, although comparative evidence did not support laser acupuncture as superior to established conservative therapies. Evidence for dental-related neuropathies was associated with possible improvements in neurosensory and motor outcomes, while pediatric evidence suggested possible short-term changes in gag reflex, procedural pain, and bruxism-related outcomes; however, both domains were supported by only one systematic review each and should be considered preliminary and hypothesis-generating. No serious adverse events were reported, but harm reporting was limited. Overall, this umbrella review should be interpreted as an evidence map rather than as a source of high-certainty clinical recommendations. Laser acupuncture may represent an emerging adjunctive approach for selected dental and orofacial indications; however, current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous and does not support standardized protocols, stand-alone use, or definitive clinical recommendations.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16126159